Depression

Depression is a mood disorder. It can cause one to feel “down” or sad. Some depressed people often feel like crying for no apparent reason. Depression, like anxiety, can cause one to feel a decreased ability to enjoy life. Sighing and a feeling of listlessness are often seen in those who are mildly or moderately depressed. Pessimism is very often a sign of depression.

More severe depression can interrupt one’s sleep or appetite, make one agitated and even cause a slowing of movement (walking, talking, thinking, etc.). In extreme depression the personality of the person is affected, and they may become virtually incapacitated – unable to get out of bed, eat or to take any action to complete tasks one has to do. Depression is a major cause of “underachieving.”

It is virtually universally agreed that therapy is the treatment of choice for depression. In the case of bereavement, grief counseling can be very beneficial.